Nevertheless, the age of the personal genome seems to have snuck up on us. Three companies are now offering extensive DNA read-outs directly to the public. First off the blocks, in November last year, was Google-backed 23andMe, followed closely by Iceland's deCodeMe, both charging about $1000. This April, Silicon Valley-based Navigenics offered a package with a price tag of $2500 and a yearly fee of $250. For that you get access to "genetic counsellors", and the company will also freeze and store your DNA to re-analyse as the technology ...

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